FEATURE INDUSTRIAL CLEANING
t is not uncommon to overlook important aspects of a process as long as the end result is acceptable. An industrial PC for example, is often taken for granted until it stops working. The same is true for degreasers which are seldom given a second thought and yet play a vital role in ensuring machinery operates effectively and efficiently. For example, the removal of dirt and
3 STEPS TO EFFECTIVE DEGREASING I
grime that accumulates during operation can save large amounts in energy usage. Even something as seemingly insignificant as 0.25mm of dirt on a heating exchange coil can lead to a 40% increase in electricity usage which in turn drives up operation costs. When choosing the right degreaser for an application plant engineers can maximise operational savings and guarantee compliance with industry regulation that is often overlooked. Fundamentally, there are three core factors that must be considered to make the most of degreasers.
SURFACE COMPATIBILITY The first step is to look at the surface the degreaser will be used on and check whether the product is suitable. Glass surfaces for example, require a silicate- free solution to prevent the surface from being etched. By completing regular audits on the state of the surface and the effectiveness of the degreaser being used, engineers can ensure that the solution is actually addressing the problem.
IS IT SOLVENT- OR WATER-BASED? When choosing between a solvent- and water-based degreaser it’s more than just
a question of how environmentally friendly it is. Solvent degreasers were for a long time the most popular and widely available type using chemical formulations to dissolve grease and dislodge stubborn contaminants from parts and equipment. However, most solvents contain volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) which are extremely hazardous and pose dangers to health. In confined spaces for example, these degreasers produce fumes that are harmful if inhaled and often need to be handled with the right personal protective equipment (PPE). Plant managers need to consider the environmental impact of certain solvent degreasers and the fact that many are flammable. The alternative is to use water-based degreasers such as NCH Europe’s Aqua-Sol range. While solvent degreasers solubilise and thin the grease, water-based degreasers use the latest surfactant technology to emulsify the greasy soil and penetrating agents to increase the speed of degreasing. They can be as effective as their solvent counterparts and are non- flammable, available as concentrates and do not produce harmful vapours, making them suitable for enclosed areas. Yet water-based degreasers have their limitations. They are unsuitable for electronic and electrical applications where
It is important to remember that not all corrosion-preventative coatings will be effective for every situation
Peter Crossen, VP maintenance and partsmaster innovation platform at NCH Europe discusses the top three factors to consider when selecting an effective industrial degreaser
the high dielectric strength (the point at which a liquid conducts electrical current) and fast evaporation of solvent degreasers allows electrical equipment to be back up and running sooner.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE Depending on the industry that a business serves there will be different regulatory restrictions in place that outline which substances can and cannot be used on surfaces. For example, the food and beverage sector requires degreasers to be NSF A1 certified: the product is suitable for use in food processing areas. Many industries will have regulations in
place determining that amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be stored on site; use of low VOC water- based degreasers can ensure compliance with these regulations. The best way to ensure compliance is to invest in sector- specific degreasers either through extensive research or by contacting a maintenance solutions specialist such as NCH Europe to complete site surveys. While it may be easy to take a staple of
industrial maintenance such as a degreaser for granted and overlook it, plant managers that remember to select their product carefully and assess effectiveness can reap the benefits: improved energy efficiency, reliable operation and minimal production cost. In more ways than one, consideration of degreasers pays off.
NCH Europe T: 01902 510254
www.ncheurope.com/en
PARTS CLEANING BROUGHT IN-HOUSE REDUCES LEAD TIMES
When a Hampshire-based manufacturer wanted to ensure its components met the highest quality of cleanliness standards it decided to install a MecWash aqueous-based cleaning machine so it could bring the majority of its cleaning systems in-house. Albright International, a leading supplier of contactors and disconnect
switches to industries as diverse as electric vehicles, telecommunication systems, welding machines, railway equipment and marine products, was sub-contracting some of its component cleaning processes but found this was having an adverse impact on the lead times it could offer customers. “Our previous regime involved all of the copper parts we use in our
components being sent to a sub-contractor before the brazing process was carried out,” says senior supervisor Peter Lowry. “Parts would go out for bright acid dipping to ensure that the surface of each one was completely clean and ready for brazing. However, this process typically took two to three days to complete and meant an added cost for each of the components which we wanted to reduce so we looked to MecWash who recommended one of their Solo aqueous cleaning systems. Some machine brass parts also used to go for sub contract
20 NOVEMBER 2016 | FACTORY EQUIPMENT
cleaning but since the introduction of the Solo machine we are now able to clean more than 90% of our parts in-house which means we have made substantial cost savings. “Brazing relies on capillary action and this will only work properly if the surfaces of the metals are completely clean. Any oil and dirt residue remaining from the production process has the potential to significantly impact the efficiency of our products and could therefore adversely affect our reputation. We are delighted with the solution MecWash proposed; the Solo has proved to be perfect for our needs and more importantly, those of our customers.” Managing director of MecWash John Pattison explains: “It is essential
when making components that preservative oils, machining lubricants, metal swarf and chips are removed. This is where our Solo machine is able to provide the precision cleaning needed by Albright’s clients, ensuring the contactors and switches produced are fully clean and dry before the brazing process is then carried out.
MecWash Systems
www.mecwash.co.uk
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